Solutions

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

Fire Sprinkler Systems

Fire sprinkler systems are an extensively used and highly effective firefighting method when used in the right situations. Sprinkler systems typically comprise of a piped water supply distribution network fitted with sprinkler heads that discharge water when a fire is detected by an integrated flame/heat/smoke detection system.

GE-Ctrls offers6 types of fire sprinkler systems to suit the specific needs of the client:

Pre-action Fire Sprinkler Systems

Pipes in such systems are filled with air, not water, when the system is not in an activated state. A pre-action valve controls the entry of water into the piping and is activated by an integrated flame/heat/smoke detection system after a fire hazard has been detected. In addition, the sprinkler heads are not in a default open state (as in a deluge fire sprinkler system) but must be released to permit water to sprout. The small delay in the arrival of water on account of these two fail-safe mechanisms– activation of pre-action valve and opening of sprinkler heads - provides a level of protection against any accidental discharge in case of a false alarm or a mechanical failure. Hence, a pre-action system is ideal for use in places such as libraries and data centers that store items that are sensitive to water damage.

Ideal for use in water sensitive environments such as:

Museums, fine art storage rooms

Archive vaults and record rooms

Libraries

Data centers and IT equipment rooms

Dry Pipe Fire Sprinkler System

These are similar to pre-action systems in that the pipes contain pressurized air, and not water, when the system is not in an activated state. Special equipment quickly lets out the air and speeds up water flow after a fire has been detected. Although this causes a small delay in the discharge of water, it is an ideal solution for areas such as cold storages where temperatures can freeze any water were it to be present in the pipes thereby incapacitating the system.

Wet Pipe Fire Sprinkler System

Water is always present in the piping which allows for instantaneous discharge as soon as the presence of a fire is detected. This type is the most widely installed, cost efficient and low maintenance sprinkler system. However, a wet pipe system is not suitable for areas with freezing temperatures or with a high potential for impact damage causing accidental leaks.

Deluge Fire Sprinkler System

Deluge systems are ideal when water needs to be applied over large areas and where high velocity suppression is needed to prevent the fire’s spread. They are similar to pre-action systems in that they have flame/heat/smoke detectors that control a deluge valve thereby preventing water from entering the pipes until actually required. But, unlike pre-action systems, the sprinkler heads of a deluge system are in a default open state and the pipes are not pressurized with air. Some deluge systems even mix foam concentrates with the water to form a solution that extinguishes the fire by the smothering effect.

Ideal for use in large, high-hazard areas such as:

Power plants

Aircraft hangars

Chemical storage facilities

Oil extraction points, refineries, other areas where combustible liquids may be spread across the floor

In-rack Fire Sprinkler System

In-rack fire sprinkler systems are specifically designed to protect racked storage areas, such as warehouses, large industrial shelving, etc., where typical early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinkler systems are not suitable.

The system comprises of sprinklers installed along a network of piping secured within the rack storage structure and detectors in close proximity that continuously monitors for smoke and heat. After a fire has been detected, the sprinklers are triggered and water is quickly released in a targeted manner to help contain the fire to a specific area, and extinguish it.

Permits greater height of storage facility vs. what ESFR sprinklers allow when warehouse footprint is small

Minimizes damage and downtime for the entire facility by containing fire to its local area or origin

Water mist Fire Sprinkler System

Water mist systems are used for special applications where the creation of a heat absorbent vapor is needed and/or where water damage may be a concern due to the presence of sensitive assets. They are also useful in areas with limited water supplies.

These systems differ from traditional water-based sprinkler systems in that they reduce the droplet size – the water mist they create comprises fine water droplets typically less than 1000 microns. The water atomizing medium is either a compressed gas or a high-pressure pump.

Ideal for use in water scarce environments or in water sensitive areas such as:

Museums, fine art storage rooms

Archive vaults and record rooms

Libraries

Data centers and IT equipment rooms

Features and Benefits:

Faster heat absorption: Vaporized water droplet expands by ~1,600 times—i.e., a certain volume of water in the form of a mist creates a larger total surface area exposed to the fire than a traditional water spray. This facilitates faster heat transfer

Quick fire-fighting as the water mist both cools the fire and starves it of oxygen

Lowers risk of re-ignition due to the cooling effect of the water mist

Minimizes post-fire collateral damage due to water due to the fine sized water droplets

Reduced down time and cleanup costs

Easy installation due to small pipe sizes, low system weight, small space requirement for the pump unit

Find out which Fire Sprinkler System is the best solution for your safety needs by contacting us today. Our team will work closely with you to analyze your needs and develop a customized stand-alone or integrated solution.

Fire Hydrant Systems

Fire hydrant systems are one of the most ubiquitous and commonly used methods of manual fire suppression. In the event of a fire, a fire hose is attached to the landing valve or hydrant point which injects a powerful flow of pressurized water that is directed at the fire.
A fire hydrant system is basically a water distribution network backed by many components such as a piping network, water tank, fire pumps, hydrant points, hose boxes, etc.:

Piping Network: This usually runs underground and emerges above the ground at strategic points where a hydrant point is placed. It also runs along the height of the building parallel to the staircase having hydrant point at each stairwell.

Pumping Facility: This forms the heart of the system. The pump work continuously to fill the piping network with pressurized water. Although the extinguishing agent is typically water, special branch pipes can be used to deliver foam.

Hydrant Points: These are placed at strategic locations of the building/ premises so as to provide comprehensive and quick coverage by virtue of which no place in the premises go unprotected. These work as outlets for the water through fire hoses. Hydrant points are provided with a hose box containing fire hoses with nozzles.

Fire Hydrant Pump Systems: Also called hydrant boosters, these are high pressure pumps designed to boost water pressure in the system when mains is not enough or when the system is fed unpressurised water. Alternatively, fire hoses can also be attached to a fire engine, which acts as a powerful pump to boost water pressure.

Features and Benefits:

Quick response

Wide coverage over large areas

Easy to operate

Low maintenance

Find out which Fire Hydrant System is the best solution for your safety needs by contacting us today. Our team will work closely with you to analyze your needs and develop a customized stand-alone or integrated solution.